Mary Belle Lemons

Mary Belle (Browning) Lemons "And the greatest of these is love..." Mary Belle Lemons, ne Browning, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away on Friday, October 03, 2014, at Greenbrier Valley Hospital. A resident of The Brier, she was 89 years old. Born December 12, 1924, Mary Belle was the "baby" of the 13 children of Richard Columbus and Martha Jane (Halsey) Browning. In addition to her parents and 12 siblings, Mary Belle was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Edward Lemons, close nephew William Richard Browning, and special cousins Myrtle Nichols and Marie Stewart. She was proud of her brothers who served in World War II, especially the two who gave their lives for our country. Mary Belle grew up on the family farm near Rockview (Wyoming County) before moving with her mother to Matheny. As a young woman, she began what was to become her life's work of caring for family and helping to raise children. She helped inspire, entertain and guide many children, from her own great-niece and nephew, to the many families for whom she eventually provided child care. She loved each child as if her own and was quickly "adopted" into every family for whom she worked. She was an active and engaged member of the Matheny Church of God, Rainelle United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church in Fairlea. She always loved "church music" and enjoyed attending many bluegrass festivals with her husband. She could also cook just about anything without a recipe. She is survived by her nephew and his wife, Harry and Pat Browning of Frederick, Maryland; great-niece Lea Ann Browning-McNee and her husband Steve of Frederick, Maryland; great-nephew Buck Browning and his wife Paula of Hagerstown, Maryland; and great-great-niece Sarah Browning and great-great- nephew Ryan McNee. She is also survived by Jo Ann Browning of Oceana, West Virginia; great-nephew Butch Browning and his wife Beth of Salisbury, North Carolina; great-niece Patricia (Browning) Harrison and her husband Michael of Morgantown, West Virginia; and great-great-nephews Ross and Clay Browning. In addition, she leaves behind many generations of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Home in Lewisburg. Visitation will be at the funeral home at 1 p.m. and burial will follow the service at Asbury Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you read to the children in your life to honor Mary Belle.Service:October 5, 2014Sunday2:00 p.m.Morgan Funeral HomeVisitation:October 5, 2014SundayOne hour prior to serviceMorgan Funeral Home